(1) World No-Tobacco Day observed with slogan "Second-Hand Smoke: Let’s Clear the Air"

YANGON, 31 May - World No-Tobacco Day was observed at International Business Centre here this morning,  with an address by Minister for Health Maj-Gen Ket Sein.

The minister said Myanmar has observed World No-Tobacco Day since 1989, holding talks, paper reading sessions  and seminars on the danger of smoking.

This year’s slogan for World No-Tobacco Day is "Second-Hand Smoke: Let’s Clear the Air". The aim of the  slogan is to promote awareness on dangers of second-hand smoke which may result from "main-stream smoke: that  is exhaled by the smoker or "sidestream smoke" that comes from the burning tip of a cigarette or any smoking  forms of tobacco.

Myanmar has implemented its tobacco free programmes since 1980. Prohibition of Smoking at Theatres Act was  enacted in 1959 and Public Health Law, in 1972. WHO SEARO office has enhanced anti-tobacco activities since  1996.

WHO started its Tobacco Free Initiative Programme in 1998, enhancing the tobacco free programmes in Southeast  Asia.

Many countries of the world are now carrying out activities that lead to demand reduction of tobacco which include  prohibition of smoking at public places and designating smoking restricted areas, banning of all forms of  advertisement, putting up warning labels on cigarette packages, increasing tax on tobacco products and promoting  health education programmes on dangers of tobacco.

During the launching ceremony of The Southeast Asia Anti-tobacco Flame from 15 December 2000 to 6 January  2001, not only Yangon Division, but people from all walks of life from the whole country had heartily welcomed  its arrival with banners, billboards, band troupes, health talks, essay and extempore talk competitions and  exhibitions. There are about four million tobacco deaths in the world annually from tobacco-related cancer and  other diseases.

The slogan for World No-Tobacco Day "Second-Hand Smoke: Let’s Clear the Air" has highlighted the fact that non-smokers who breathe second-hand smoke suffer many of the same diseases as regular smokers and that  exposure to second-hand smoke is a widespread problem that affects people.

Thus, it is important to prevent the dangers of second-hand smoke. It is also vital to designate public places such as  schools, hospitals, offices, buses, air planes and cinemas as non-smoking areas and to designate places such as  airports, ports, railway stations, restaurants etc as places where smoking is prohibited. By doing so, non-smokers  who know the dangers of smoking as well as children will be saved from the harmful smoke and will reduce the  smoking hours of the chain smokers.

Not only the Ministry of Health, but also the other ministries are required to make cooperative efforts to guard  against the harmful smoke of tobacco. Acting Resident Representative of WHO Dr Jos Vandalaer read the message  of the WHO Director-General.

Also present were Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office Lt-Gen.  Tin Ngwe, deputy ministers, directors and rectors of the Ministry of Health, professors, medical superintendents, directors, officials of WHO and UN agencies, representatives of non-governmental organizations, guests and  officials.

The ministers and party then visited the booths of the World No-Tobacco Day Exhibition.

A seminar on anti-tobacco activities was then held under the chairmanship of Dr U Aung, Prof of Cardiology  Department.

Tobacco Free Programme Manager Dr Daw Nyo Nyo Kyaing presented the paper on "Prevalence of Tobacco Use  in Myanmar; Prof Dr Daw Thida San on "Second-Hand Smoke and its Dangers"; Director Dr Tin Nyunt on  "Tobacco Laws and Regulations on Protection of Non-Smokers Health in Southeast Asia; and Assistant Director U  Aung Kyaw Kyaw on Health Promotion and Tobacco.

up

___________________________

(2)  Delegates to MWVO Conference arrive

YANGON, 31 May-Delegates from Pathien, Myaung-mya, Hinthada, Maubin and Pyapon Districts and 33  delegates from 26 townships in Ayeyawady Division, who will attend Myanmar War Veterans Organization  Conference, led by Chairman of Supervisory Committee for Ayeyawady Division WVO Secretary of division Peace  and Development Council Lt-Col Sein Maung and Secretary of Supervisory Committee Capt Kyaw Kyaw (Retd),  arrived at Pandaing Village in Htantabin Township, Yangon Division.

The delegates were welcomed there by Member of Central Organizing Committee of MWVO Deputy Minister for  Transport Brig-Gen. Kyaw Myint and Director-General of Agricultural Mechanization Department U Win Maw,  the executives and members of township Peace and Development Council, township WVO, township USDA and  ward Peace and Development Council, members of Myanmar Red Cross Society, Auxiliary Fire Brigade and local  people.

Then the delegates were served with food and delicacies. Deputy Minister Brig-Gen. Kyaw Myint, Director U Win  Maw and officials took them to the hostels in Mingaladon Township.

Delegates from Taninthayi Division led by Lt-Col Myo Nyunt, delegates from Chin State led by Lt-Col Win Naing  and delegates from Myeik led by Lt-Col Khin Maung Nyo arrived here by air today.

They were welcomed by Member of Central Organizing Committee of MWVO Deputy Director-General of Prisons  Department U Saw Ngwe, Chairman of Mingaladon Township Peace and Development Council U Ye Naing,  members of MWVO, USDA, MRCS and AFB. Afterwards they were taken to the hostels.

Thirty-four delegates from Mandalay Division led by Lt-Col Tin Ohn also arrived at the Yangon Railway Station  this afternoon. Local authorities, executives from township WVOs and the officials welcomed and took them to the  hostels.
 
CCDAC Secretary meets Japanese guests

YANGON, 31 May -Minister-Counsellor Mr Ma Syoshi Kamohara and First Secretary Mr Toshiyoshi Tominaga  of Representative Group of Japan to International Organzation in Vienna, Austria together with Counsellor of  Japanese Embassy in Myanmar Mr Naokito called on Secretary of Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control  Director-General of Myanmar Police Force Police Maj-Gen Soe Win at Drug Elimination Museum on Kyundaw  Street this afternoon. They discussed matter related to bilateral cooperation for drug abuse control programmes.  Present at the call were Head of Department of the Office of the Strategic Studies Col Kyaw Thein and officials of
CCDAC.

up

___________________________

(3) School Enrolment Week activities inspected

YANGON, 31 May- According to the education calendar, the School Enrolment Week is being implemented for  all school-going age children to be able to pursue education in cooperation with the people in the entire nation.

Deputy Minister for Education U Myo Nyunt inspected implementation of the School Enrolment Week at basic  education schools in Ayeyawady Division on 28 and 29 May and donated exercise books  stationery and school uniforms to the schools.

First, the deputy minister, accompanied by Rector of Pathein University U Cho, Deputy Director-General of  Department of Basic Education No 1 U C Thang Za Twin and officials of the office of Ayeyawady Division  Education Officer, arrived at Zibyukyun BEPS in Nyaungdon Township on 28 May morning.

The township education officer, members of Township and Ward Peace and Development Councils and teachers  welcomed the deputy minister and party. Then, the deputy minister and party inspected enrolment of children at  the school in Zibyukyun area. Afterwards, the deputy minister presented exercise books, pencils and T-shirts to  Headmaster U Khin Maung Aye, Union Solidarity and Development Association, Maternal and Child Welfare  Association and Red Cross Society of the village. At Hsamalauk BEHS in Nyaungdon Township, the deputy  minister and party inspected enrolment of children at the school. They then presented exercise books, pencils and  T-shirts donated by Ministry of Education to Village USDA, MCWA and Red Cross Society. Then, the deputy  minister inspected the multimedia teaching centre of the school.

At Peyonseik BEPS and Mithwaytaik BEPS in Kyaunggon Township, exercise books, pencils and T-shirts donated  by Ministry of Education were presented to the schools. The deputy minister and the deputy director-general  accepted donations of local people and handed them over to the headmistress of Mithwaytaik BEPS.

On 29 May, the deputy minister and party arrived at No 15 Yankintaung BEPS and inspected enrolment of  children at the school. Then, the deputy minister handed over gifts of the Ministry of Education to Village USDA,  MCWA and Red Cross Society.

At Mayanchaung Village BEPS in Pathein Township, the deputy minister inspected activities of the enrolment of  children. Next, the deputy minister went to Thitpokkon BEPS and Kyitha BEPS in Pathien Township, Apinhnase  BEPS in Kangyidaunt Township and presented donations of the Ministry of Education to the schools.

On his inspection tour, the deputy minister said he was there to give encourgement to the schools where School  Enrolment Week is being implemented. The deputy minister urged officials and parents to carry out enrolment of  children at the schools as the mass activities and to strive for schoolchildren to be able to pursue education at  different levels of the schools in cooperation with parents.
 
Meeting on Polio Eradication concludes

YANGON, 31 May- The SEAR Technical Consultative Group (TCG) Meeting on Polio Eradication continued  for the final day today at the Traders Hotel at the corner of Sule Pagoda Road and Bogyoke Aung San Street this  morning.

Present were technicians and experts of WHO Headquarters and SEAR Director’s office and South-East Asian  countries. All round discussions on the rapid spread of polio virus in Caribbean countries; matters relating to  certification of polio-free world; progress of Thailand in this regard; observation of the spread of the virus in India;  the report of the polio-free certification commission and the schedule for anti-polio vaccination.

Afterwards, matters on regular vaccinations in Sri Lanka and Maldives were submitted and discussed. Then, the  distribuition of vaccines by UNICEF and importance of vaccination were discussed.

In the afternoon session, the group discussions of experts and consultants from WHO and UNICEF were held.

up

___________________________

(4) Commander attends coord meeting of Mandalay Division

YANGON, 31 May- A coordination meeting on education, health and social affairs of Mandalay Division Peace  and Development Council was held at the meeting hall of Central Command on yesterday morning.

The meeting was attended by Chairman of Mandalay Division Peace and Development Council Commander of  Central Command Maj-Gen Ye Myint and officials concerned.

The commander gave a speech on work done and future tasks of education, health and social affairs.

Officials concerned reported on work done in respective sectors. The commander attended to their needs and the  meeting ended with concluding remarks by the commander.

Commander inspects regional development tasks in Putao District

YANGON, 31 May- Chairman of Kachin State Peace and Development Council Commander of Northern  Command Maj-Gen Kyaw Win, accompanied by Commander of Myitkyina Air Base Brig-Gen. Bo Kyi and  departmental officials, went to Putao Airport on 27 May.

Engineer In-charge U David Baran Shaung reported on matters related to progress in construction of the extended  runway.

The commander then proceeded to Kaunghmulon Pagoda in Machanbaw Township. At the meeting on all-round  renovation of the pagoda, Chairman of Putao District Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Myo and  officials reported on tasks being undertaken. The commander attended to their needs and inspected the work site.

Afterwards, the commander inspected construction of Namhaw Village Affiliated Basic Education Middle School  and Namkhamti Creek Bridge near Hoko/Mamule Village.On 28 May, the commander attended the launching  ceremony of 50-kva power plant in Hoko Ward of Putao. The commander formally opened the plant and inspected  it.
 
Commander meets youths attending UDNR

YANGON, 31 May-Chairman of Shan State (East) Peace and Development Council Commander of Triangle Region Command Maj-Gen Thein Sein met with the youths who will attend the University for Development of  National Races at the hall of Development Affairs Department in Kengtung on 29 May afternoon.

Also present on the occasion were senior military officers from the command, members of state/district/township  Peace and Development Councils, teachers, trainees and invited guests.

The Commander made a speech and presented cash for the trainees. Altogether 40 trainees will attend the courses  of the university.

up

___________________________

(5) School Enrolment Day ceremony held in Ayeyawady Division

YANGON, 31 May-School Enrolment Day ceremony of No 4 Basic Education High School, Pathein Township  Ayeyawady Division, was held in conjunction with a ceremony to donate stationery by Ayeyawady Division  Working Commit for Women’s Affairs and Division Maternal and Child Welfare Association at the school  yesterday.

The ceremony was attended by Chairman of Ayeyawady Division Peace and Development Council Commander of  South-West Command Maj-Gen Thura Shwe Mann and wife Daw Khin Lay Thet, Deputy Minister for Education  U Myo Nyunt, departmental officials, members of Ayeyawady Division Working Committee for Women’s Affairs,  members of MCWA, Division Myanmar Women Entreprenures’ Association members, Union Solidarity and  Development Association members, parents, teachers and students.

The commander and the deputy minister gave speeches and Daw San San Myint of Division MCWA explained the  purpose of donating the stationery. Then, the deputy minister and officials gave the stationery donated by Pathein  University and the respective associations to Pathein Township Education Officer and the ceremony came to an  end.
 
USDA multiplier management course concludes

YANGON, 31 May-The concluding ceremony of Multiplier Management Course No 2/2001 for USDA  executives, organized by Kamayut, Hline and Mayangon Township USDAs in Yangon West District was held at  Thabyay Hall of No 5 BEHS, Kamayut this morning.

Also present on the occasion were members of the Central Executive Committee of the Union Solidarity and  Development Association Col Tin Hlaing and Brig-Gen. Maung Maung Thein, Chairman of Yangon West District  Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Maung Maung Shein and departmental officials, Secretary of District  USDA U Tin Win and executives, secretaries of Township USDAs, course instructors and trainees.

CEC member Col Tin Hlaing delivered a speech. Then, cash presentation ceremony was held. The CEC members  presented prizes to outstanding trainees. Secretary U Tin Win presented certificates to a trainees and the ceremony  came to a close.

up

___________________________

(6) Commander Maj-Gen Soe Win attends coord meeting

YANGON, 31 May- Chairman of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Commander of North-West  Command Maj-Gen Soe Win attended a coordination meeting of Sagaing Division held at the meeting hall of  Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council, Monywa, on 28 May at 9 am.

Also present at the meeting were Secretary of Sagaing Division Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Ye Htut  and officials. The commander gave a speech. Departmental officials reported on work done and future plans. The  commander attended to their requirements and the meeting came to a close.

Mayor inspects agriculture and livestock breeding projects of YCDC

YANGON, 31 May- Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee Mayor U Ko Lay, together with  officials, inspected agriculture and livestock breeding projects undertaken by YCDC in Taikkyi Township, Yangon  Division, this morning.

The mayor inspected green house kitchen crop plantations, running of paddy dryer, milling of 25-ton Rice Mills  No1 and No2, production of groundnut oil at Oil Refinery, testing of YCDC sugar mill and production process of  briquette factory, and gave instructions to the officials.

Then, the mayor and party also inspected duck breeding of Kyontamyin farm in Kyain region, green house kitchen  crop plantations near Kya-in region, digging of 35 acres of fish ponds.

The mayor gave instructions on boosting production of farm produce and sales of farm produce at markets. At the  Uto-Shwewatun Hall, Mayor U Ko Lay explained facts about the agriculture and livestock breeding projects  undertaken by YCDC to the trainees of Refresher Course No 6 for YCDC clerical staff.

up

___________________________

(7) KNU terrorists fire on Myawady-Kawkareik bus

YANGON, 31 May- KNU terrorists are disturbing community peace and tranquillity, committing destructive  acts, torturing the people and looting property of the public with various ways. On 30 May morning, about four  KNU armed group members fired M-79 launcher and small weapons on the Hilux car with number plate 2Ka/9312  driven by U Kyi Naing, leaving Myawady for Kawkareik, at the place near Sukali Bridge between Myawady and  Alebote.

On hearing the gunfire, the security group of the column of the local battalion rushed to the scene and engaged  with the terrorists. Then, the terrorists withdrew and fled.

The terrorists’ gunfire killed passenger Daw Than Hla, 50, daughter of U Than Tun of Mawlamyine, and wounded  U Thaung Shwe, 51, son of U Moe Di Yar of Myawady, U Sunny, 36, son of U Kyi Maung, Tun Min Naing, 20,  son of U San of Kyaikmaraw, Ma Cho, 26, daughter of U Ohn Kyi of Mawlamyine and Ma Shwe Oo, 17, daughter  of U Ba Thaung of Kyaikmaraw. The wounded persons are being warded at Myawady Township Hospital.

KNUs are not only the armed group insurgents but also terrorists, subversive and killers and killing and touring the  public. Tatmadaw columns of the local battalion are now in hot pursuit of the terrorists.

Completion certificates presented

YANGON, 31 May-A ceremony to present primary school level completion certificates for 2000-2001 academic  year was held at No 12 Basic Education Primary School in Sangyoung Township this morning.

Present were Assistant Director (inspection) of No 3 Basic Education Department Daw Myint Si, Chairman of the  Township Peace and Development Council U San Win, Township Education Officer Daw Kyaing Kyaing Tun,  guests, Headmistress Daw Kathy Soe Thein, teachers, students and parents. The headmistress presented primary  completion certificates to 35 students.

up

___________________________

(8) MMFB explains modern banking services in Lashio, Muse

YANGON, 31 May- Myanmar May Flower Bank Ltd held the briefing on modern banking services and dinner in  Lashio on 22 May and Muse on 24 May. The ceremony was held at City Hall in Lashio on 22 May. Present on the  occasion were Command Staff Colonel Col Ye Tun Win, General Staff Officer (Grade-I) Lt-Col Htay Naing of  North-East Command, Secretary of Shan State (North) Peace and Development Council Lt-Col Win Han,  departmental officials, Executive Director U Win Naing, Managing Director U Khin Maung and Division Manager  (Admin) U Aung Kyaw Soe of MMFB, entrepreneurs, MMFB (Lashio Branch) U S Kyaw Naing and staff.
Executive Director U Win Naing explained the policy, the aims, the brief history, the capital, deposits, loans,  investment and progress of MMFB's banking services up to 31 March 2001. Managing Director U Khin Maung  briefed those present on banking services, bank insurance, use of ATM, POS and MC credit cards. After the  ceremony, Executive Director U Win Naing hosted a dinner for entrepreneurs and presented souvenirs to them. A  similar ceremony was held in Muse on 24 May. Present on the occasion were officials of MMFB, Chairman of  Muse-Namkham Border Trade Merchants Association U Maung Yin and local people. Tactical Operations
Commander Col Soe Yi and officials attended the dinner hosted by U Win Naing. Then, Executive Director U Win  Naing presented souvenirs to attendances.

up

___________________________

(9) Sports equipment and stationery donated

YANGON, 31 May-Under the Myanmar-Japan friendship programme, U-Law (No Drug and Supporting Youth  Encouragement Programme) of Japan donated Ta Ta Mi mats, judo gyis and stationery to the Ministry of Sports at  Ruby Hall of the ministry at 4 pm today. Present at the ceremony were Chairman of Myanmar Olympic Committee  Minister for Sports Brig-Gen. Thura Aye Myint, Vice-Chairmen Brig-Gen. Aung Thein, Brig-Gen. Maung Nyo  and Brig-Gen. Mya Thein Han, the general secretary and members, Director-General of Myanmar Police Force
Police Maj-Gen Soe Win, General Secretary Mr Hiro Shi Ito of U-Law, Resident Representative to Myanmar Mrs  Hito Mi Iwa Sa Ki and members, Second Secretary of Japanese Embassy Mr Hisanaga Tomioka and officials of  United Nations International Drug Control Programme. General Secretary Mr Hiro Shi Ito explained the purpose  of the donation. Then, Resident Representative Mrs Hito Mi Iwa Sa Ki spoke of the another plan of donation.  Afterwards, Mr Hiro Shi Ito presented 400 Ta Ta Mi mats, 370 judo gyis and 40 boxes of stationery worth US $
25,000 to the minister who expressed words of thanks. Later, selected men and women of Myanmar Judo  Federation presented skill demonstrations to the guests.
 

up